#FOOD: ZAKKUSHI IZAKAYA ON CARLTON IN TORONTO

With two successful locations in Vancouver already, Toronto is now able to enjoy the ever-trendy Izakaya-style offerings of ZAKKUSHI in the Carlton x Ontario Streets.  An Izakaya for those unaware, is a festive Pub-like Gathering Spot for Friends after a long day at work or on weekends, offering Japanese Tapas-esque fare, often grilled or fried.  This location boasts a large variety of Skewers in your choice of Sea Salt or Teriyaki and they are scintillating!  If you’re just unsure, order the Premium Skewer Set, which offers a good cross-section of choices.

Beef, Chicken, Pork, Seafood, Lamb – you name it, they’ve got it. Although several might cringe, I’d say hands-down the best offering is the exquisite Teriyaki Chicken Liver Skewer, although the Deep-Fried Prawns in House Cocktail Sauce was mighty amazing. The Marinated Mackerel Sashimi was an absolute delight, as was the Deep-Fried Baby Octopus in Sour Plum Mayo.  I’m actually rather obsessed with the latter’s Dipping Sauce.

Of course, there are several Sashimi-type offerings on the Menu too and for Dessert, I highly recommend the Red Bean and Green Tea Ice Cream Japanese Pancake Sandwich.  

A fun, festive alternative to Bento Boxes and All-You-Can-Eat Sushi and a telling sign of its authenticity of the large number of Japanese Customers who frequent the Establishment!

Beware of the two-hour seating limit though…

For a glance at ZAKKUSHI‘s Toronto Menu, click here.

Zakkushi is at 130 Carlton Street in Toronto.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)